US5749010A - Camera support - Google Patents

Camera support Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5749010A
US5749010A US08/837,502 US83750297A US5749010A US 5749010 A US5749010 A US 5749010A US 83750297 A US83750297 A US 83750297A US 5749010 A US5749010 A US 5749010A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
shaped section
section
camera support
camera
support means
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US08/837,502
Inventor
Michael T. McCumber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
McCumber Enterprises Inc
Original Assignee
McCumber Enterprises Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by McCumber Enterprises Inc filed Critical McCumber Enterprises Inc
Priority to US08/837,502 priority Critical patent/US5749010A/en
Assigned to MCCUMBER ENTERPRISES, INC. reassignment MCCUMBER ENTERPRISES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MCCUMBER, MICHAEL T.
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5749010A publication Critical patent/US5749010A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • F16M13/04—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles for supporting on, or holding steady relative to, a person, e.g. by chains, e.g. rifle butt or pistol grip supports, supports attached to the chest or head
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/02—Heads
    • F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
    • F16M11/06—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting
    • F16M11/10—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand allowing pivoting around a horizontal axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
    • F16M11/2007—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment
    • F16M11/2021—Undercarriages with or without wheels comprising means allowing pivoting adjustment around a horizontal axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
    • F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
    • F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
    • F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
    • F16M11/28—Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
    • F16M13/00—Other supports for positioning apparatus or articles; Means for steadying hand-held apparatus or articles
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
    • G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
    • G03B17/56—Accessories
    • G03B17/561—Support related camera accessories

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a camera either video or still, ready for use against the body of a user.
  • a camera support means for holding a camera in front of a user having a first U-shaped section.
  • the first U-shaped section is connected to a second U-shaped section which is in turn connected to an arm portion that has a camera support means mounted thereto.
  • the first U-shaped section has a first end and a second end and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion.
  • the first U-shaped section is adapted to fit around the user's neck so that the legs rest on the user's chest.
  • the second U-shaped section has a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section.
  • the arm section has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot means.
  • the camera mounting means is pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot means.
  • the first pivot means includes a locking means for locking the arm section in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section.
  • the second pivot means also includes a locking means for locking the camera mounting means in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section.
  • the present invention provides for a camera support means as described above where the first end of the arm section is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot means and the pivot means is removably connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section.
  • This design allows the user to remove the arm section and the camera mounting means from the second U-shaped section so the user can hold the arm section with one hand if desired.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a left side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a right side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of a locking means.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the invention.
  • a camera support means 10 for holding a camera 12 in front of a user 14.
  • the camera support means 10 has a first U-shaped section 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions 22 and a generally arcuate connecting portion 24.
  • the first U-shaped section 16 is adapted to fit around the user's neck 26 so that the legs 22 rest on said user's chest 28.
  • There is a second U-shaped section 30 having a first end 32 and a second end 34 with the first end 32 being rotatably connected to the second end 20 of the first U-shaped section 16.
  • the arm section 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 40, where the first end 38 is pivotally connected to the second end 34 of the second U-shaped section 30 by a first pivot means 42.
  • a camera mounting means 44 pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section 36 by a second pivot means 46.
  • the camera mounting means 44 can be a plate that has a layer of rubber on the top and a thumb screw extending therethrough to secure the camera to the plate.
  • the first pivot means 42 includes a locking means 54 for locking the arm section 36 in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section 30.
  • the second pivot means 46 includes a locking means 56 for locking the camera mounting means 44 in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section 36.
  • the first U-shaped portion is curved backward away from the user's head so as to follow the curve from the back of a user's neck 26 down to the chest 28 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the generally straight leg portions rest against the chest 28 to support the entire unit so that little weight or pressure is put on the neck 26.
  • This configuration provides greater stability for the camera so that the user 14 need not hold or steady the camera to take pictures or film with a video camera.
  • the rotatable connection between the first U-shaped section 16 and the second U-shaped section 30 can be achieved by welding a nut to the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 and a cap screw to the first end of the second U-shaped portion so that the two sections can rotate.
  • the second U-shaped section 30 rotates out, away from the first U-shaped section 16, until it is in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the second end 20 of the first U-shaped section 16 and stops.
  • the second U-shaped section 30 rotates in, towards the first U-shaped section 16, until it is in a plane parallel with the first U-shaped section 16 and stops.
  • the first and second pivot means 42, 46 can include a pair of swivel plates 60 adjustably connected with the locking means comprising a screw 62 and wing nut 64 combination as shown in FIG. 4.
  • a piece of rubber 66 can be positioned in between the two swivel plates that creates the necessary friction to allow the user to tighten the wing nut 64 and lock the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 in the desired position.
  • the wing nut 64 is loosened and the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 is moved to the desired position, then the wing nut 64 is tightened to hold the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 in place.
  • a pair of opposing mesh teeth can be used instead of a piece of rubber between the swivel plates.
  • This type of gear uses two plates with teeth that are oriented in opposite directions to one another. The user tightens and loosens the gear in the same way as the swivel plate to engage the teeth. This type of gear will last longer than the rubber piece in between the two plates, because eventually the rubber will wear out. This type of gear could also be made from plastic.
  • the arm section 36 comprises a first tube 68 extending from the first end 38 and a second tube 70 extending from the second end, wherein one of the tubes is slidably and telescopically received by the other tube so that the arm section 36 is of adjustable length.
  • the second tube 70 is received by the first tube 68 and can be extended or retracted.
  • the second tube 70 can be held in place by a conventional compression nut 72 that is twisted to lock or release the second tube 70.
  • Having one tube that is slidably and telescopically received by the other, allows the arm section 36 to be extended to at least 13 inches. This is very useful for a user 14 that has a very long torso and may need to adjust the arm upwards so that the camera will meet the user's eye level.
  • a commercially available telescoping tube can be used for the arm section 36.
  • the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 has a longitudinal axis, and the second U-shaped section 30 rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the second end of the first U-shaped section 16.
  • the second end of the second U-shaped section 30 also has a longitudinal axis, and the arm section 36 rotates in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second end of the second U-shaped section 30.
  • This feature allows the user 14 to position the camera close to their eye. Depending on the size of the user 14, comfortable positions for the camera 12 in relation to the user's eye may vary.
  • the arm section 36 has a longitudinal axis and the camera support means 10 rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm section 36.
  • the first end of the first U-shaped section 16 can have an eyelet means 74 connected thereto.
  • This eyelet means 74 can be used to attach an adjustable strap that can go around the users back, over the second U-shaped section 30 and reattach at the eyelet for added support.
  • the second U-shaped section 30 is rotatable to a first position where the arm section 36, the camera support means 10, and the second U-shaped section 30 are positionable in between the first end and the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 and in generally the same plane as the first U-shaped section 16.
  • This position is useful for storing the device.
  • the whole camera support means 10 takes up very little space and can be stored in a suitcase or closet very easily.
  • the second U-shaped section 30 is rotatable to a second position wherein the arm section 36, the camera support means 10 and the second U-shaped section 30 are positionable generally in a plane normal to the first U-shaped section 16. This is essentially the working position.
  • the arm is extended in front of the user 14 and the second U-shaped section 30 stops at a position normal to the first U-shaped section 16.
  • the second U-shaped section 30 is held in this second position by the weight of the camera.
  • the first U-shaped section 16, the second U-shaped section 30 and the arm section 36 are made of a tubular material such as stainless steel, plastic, or metal composite material.
  • the tubular material is 3/8" stainless steel tubing because it is lightweight and sturdy.
  • the camera support means 10 can be covered with a foam or rubberlike material or any other material that is cushiony. A foam material will make the camera support means 10 more comfortable for the user 14.
  • each of the pair of generally straight legs is from between about 8 and about 12 inches in length
  • the generally arcuate connecting portion is from between about 10 and about 16 inches in length
  • the second U-shaped section 30 is between about 3 and about 5 inches in length.
  • the first tube 68 of the arm section 36 is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length and the second tube 70 is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length.
  • each of the pair of generally straight legs is about 10 inches in length
  • the arcuate connecting portion is about 13 inches in length
  • the second U-shaped section 30 is about 4 inches in length.
  • the first tube 68 of the arm section 36 is preferably about 6 inches in length and the second tube 70 is about 5 1/2 inches in length.
  • Each of the pair of generally straight legs does not have to be equal in length.
  • the generally straight leg 22 that is attached to the second U-shaped section can be shorter than the other generally straight 22' leg.
  • a camera support means 10 for holding a camera 12 in front of a user 14 having a first U-shaped section 16, a second U-shaped section 30, an arm section 36 and a camera support means 10 as described above.
  • the first U-shaped section 16 has a first end and a second end and formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion, the first U-shaped section 16 is shaped to fit around the user's neck 26 so that the legs rest on the user's chest 28.
  • the first U-shaped portion is curved back so as to follow the curve from the back of a user's neck 26 down to the chest 28.
  • the generally straight leg portions rest against the chest 28 to support the entire unit so that little weight or pressure is put on the neck 26.
  • the arm section 36 has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section 30 by a first pivot means 42 and the pivot means is removably connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section 30. This allows the user 14 to remove the arm section 36 from the second U-shaped portion and hold the camera 12 to his face with his hand.
  • the first pivot means 42 has a first end 76 and a second end 78.
  • the second end 34 of the second U-shaped section 30 forms a hole sized to receive the first end 76 of the first pivot means 42, and the second end 78 of the first pivot means 42 is pivotally attached to the arm portion as shown in FIG. 5.

Abstract

A camera support for holding a camera in front of a user having a first U-shaped section. The first U-shaped section is connected to a second U-shaped section which is in turn connected to an arm portion that has a camera mount. The first U-shaped section has a first end and a second end and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion. The first U-shaped section is adapted to fit around the user's neck so that the legs rest on the user's chest. The second U-shaped section has a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section. The arm section has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot. The camera mount is pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot.

Description

BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a camera either video or still, ready for use against the body of a user.
When using a camera, particularly a video camera, which is heavy, for any length of time, difficulty is encountered in keeping the camera still while taking pictures. If the camera moves during the picture, the resulting images are not as sharp as they could be. The common solution for this is a ground support for the camera such as a tripod. This eliminates the need to hold the camera, but it limits the range of motion of the camera severely.
There are several devices available for holding a camera suspended in front of the user while being supported by a portion of the user's body. The available devices rest directly on at least one of the user's shoulders and some require the user to use at least one hand to steady the camera while taking pictures. A device that distributed the weight of the camera across the users chest instead of the shoulders and is completely hands free would be useful.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera support means that is supported by the user's neck and chest.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a camera support means that is lightweight and provides hands free stable operation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a camera support means that is easily stored while not in use.
SUMMARY
In the present invention, there is provided, a camera support means for holding a camera in front of a user having a first U-shaped section. The first U-shaped section is connected to a second U-shaped section which is in turn connected to an arm portion that has a camera support means mounted thereto. The first U-shaped section has a first end and a second end and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion. The first U-shaped section is adapted to fit around the user's neck so that the legs rest on the user's chest. The second U-shaped section has a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section.
The arm section has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot means. The camera mounting means is pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot means. The first pivot means includes a locking means for locking the arm section in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section. The second pivot means also includes a locking means for locking the camera mounting means in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section.
In another embodiment of the present invention provides for a camera support means as described above where the first end of the arm section is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section by a first pivot means and the pivot means is removably connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section. This design allows the user to remove the arm section and the camera mounting means from the second U-shaped section so the user can hold the arm section with one hand if desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a left side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a right side view of one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of a locking means.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIGS. 1-3 there is provided, a camera support means 10 for holding a camera 12 in front of a user 14. The camera support means 10 has a first U-shaped section 16 having a first end 18 and a second end 20 and is formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions 22 and a generally arcuate connecting portion 24. The first U-shaped section 16 is adapted to fit around the user's neck 26 so that the legs 22 rest on said user's chest 28. There is a second U-shaped section 30 having a first end 32 and a second end 34 with the first end 32 being rotatably connected to the second end 20 of the first U-shaped section 16. There is an arm section 36 having a first end 38 and a second end 40, where the first end 38 is pivotally connected to the second end 34 of the second U-shaped section 30 by a first pivot means 42. There is also a camera mounting means 44 pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section 36 by a second pivot means 46. The camera mounting means 44 can be a plate that has a layer of rubber on the top and a thumb screw extending therethrough to secure the camera to the plate. The first pivot means 42 includes a locking means 54 for locking the arm section 36 in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section 30. The second pivot means 46 includes a locking means 56 for locking the camera mounting means 44 in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section 36.
The first U-shaped portion is curved backward away from the user's head so as to follow the curve from the back of a user's neck 26 down to the chest 28 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The generally straight leg portions rest against the chest 28 to support the entire unit so that little weight or pressure is put on the neck 26. This configuration provides greater stability for the camera so that the user 14 need not hold or steady the camera to take pictures or film with a video camera.
The rotatable connection between the first U-shaped section 16 and the second U-shaped section 30 can be achieved by welding a nut to the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 and a cap screw to the first end of the second U-shaped portion so that the two sections can rotate. The second U-shaped section 30 rotates out, away from the first U-shaped section 16, until it is in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the second end 20 of the first U-shaped section 16 and stops. Likewise the second U-shaped section 30 rotates in, towards the first U-shaped section 16, until it is in a plane parallel with the first U-shaped section 16 and stops.
The first and second pivot means 42, 46 can include a pair of swivel plates 60 adjustably connected with the locking means comprising a screw 62 and wing nut 64 combination as shown in FIG. 4. A piece of rubber 66 can be positioned in between the two swivel plates that creates the necessary friction to allow the user to tighten the wing nut 64 and lock the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 in the desired position. To adjust the position, the wing nut 64 is loosened and the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 is moved to the desired position, then the wing nut 64 is tightened to hold the arm section 36 or camera mounting means 44 in place.
In the alternative, instead of a piece of rubber between the swivel plates, a pair of opposing mesh teeth can be used. This type of gear uses two plates with teeth that are oriented in opposite directions to one another. The user tightens and loosens the gear in the same way as the swivel plate to engage the teeth. This type of gear will last longer than the rubber piece in between the two plates, because eventually the rubber will wear out. This type of gear could also be made from plastic.
Preferably, the arm section 36 comprises a first tube 68 extending from the first end 38 and a second tube 70 extending from the second end, wherein one of the tubes is slidably and telescopically received by the other tube so that the arm section 36 is of adjustable length. As shown in FIG. 1 the second tube 70 is received by the first tube 68 and can be extended or retracted. In this embodiment, the second tube 70 can be held in place by a conventional compression nut 72 that is twisted to lock or release the second tube 70. Having one tube that is slidably and telescopically received by the other, allows the arm section 36 to be extended to at least 13 inches. This is very useful for a user 14 that has a very long torso and may need to adjust the arm upwards so that the camera will meet the user's eye level. A commercially available telescoping tube can be used for the arm section 36.
In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 has a longitudinal axis, and the second U-shaped section 30 rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the second end of the first U-shaped section 16. The second end of the second U-shaped section 30 also has a longitudinal axis, and the arm section 36 rotates in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second end of the second U-shaped section 30. This feature allows the user 14 to position the camera close to their eye. Depending on the size of the user 14, comfortable positions for the camera 12 in relation to the user's eye may vary. The arm section 36 has a longitudinal axis and the camera support means 10 rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm section 36. This allows the user 14 to adjust the camera to different angles depending on the location of subject being photographed or filmed. For instance, if the subject is on the floor and the user 14 chooses to stand up straight to film or photograph the subject, the user 14 can adjust the camera downward toward the floor. This means that the user 14 does not have to bend over for instance to follow a crawling baby all over the floor.
The first end of the first U-shaped section 16 can have an eyelet means 74 connected thereto. This eyelet means 74 can be used to attach an adjustable strap that can go around the users back, over the second U-shaped section 30 and reattach at the eyelet for added support.
In use, as shown in FIG. 7 the second U-shaped section 30 is rotatable to a first position where the arm section 36, the camera support means 10, and the second U-shaped section 30 are positionable in between the first end and the second end of the first U-shaped section 16 and in generally the same plane as the first U-shaped section 16. This position is useful for storing the device. When in this first position, the whole camera support means 10 takes up very little space and can be stored in a suitcase or closet very easily.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second U-shaped section 30 is rotatable to a second position wherein the arm section 36, the camera support means 10 and the second U-shaped section 30 are positionable generally in a plane normal to the first U-shaped section 16. This is essentially the working position. The arm is extended in front of the user 14 and the second U-shaped section 30 stops at a position normal to the first U-shaped section 16. The second U-shaped section 30 is held in this second position by the weight of the camera.
Preferably, the first U-shaped section 16, the second U-shaped section 30 and the arm section 36 are made of a tubular material such as stainless steel, plastic, or metal composite material. Ideally, the tubular material is 3/8" stainless steel tubing because it is lightweight and sturdy. The camera support means 10 can be covered with a foam or rubberlike material or any other material that is cushiony. A foam material will make the camera support means 10 more comfortable for the user 14.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the pair of generally straight legs is from between about 8 and about 12 inches in length, the generally arcuate connecting portion is from between about 10 and about 16 inches in length, and the second U-shaped section 30 is between about 3 and about 5 inches in length. The first tube 68 of the arm section 36 is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length and the second tube 70 is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length. Preferably, each of the pair of generally straight legs is about 10 inches in length, the arcuate connecting portion is about 13 inches in length, and the second U-shaped section 30 is about 4 inches in length. The first tube 68 of the arm section 36 is preferably about 6 inches in length and the second tube 70 is about 5 1/2 inches in length. Each of the pair of generally straight legs does not have to be equal in length. The generally straight leg 22 that is attached to the second U-shaped section can be shorter than the other generally straight 22' leg.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided, a camera support means 10 for holding a camera 12 in front of a user 14 having a first U-shaped section 16, a second U-shaped section 30, an arm section 36 and a camera support means 10 as described above. The first U-shaped section 16 has a first end and a second end and formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion, the first U-shaped section 16 is shaped to fit around the user's neck 26 so that the legs rest on the user's chest 28. The first U-shaped portion is curved back so as to follow the curve from the back of a user's neck 26 down to the chest 28. The generally straight leg portions rest against the chest 28 to support the entire unit so that little weight or pressure is put on the neck 26. The arm section 36 has a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section 30 by a first pivot means 42 and the pivot means is removably connected to the second end of the second U-shaped section 30. This allows the user 14 to remove the arm section 36 from the second U-shaped portion and hold the camera 12 to his face with his hand.
Preferably, the first pivot means 42 has a first end 76 and a second end 78. The second end 34 of the second U-shaped section 30 forms a hole sized to receive the first end 76 of the first pivot means 42, and the second end 78 of the first pivot means 42 is pivotally attached to the arm portion as shown in FIG. 5.
Although the present invention is described and illustrated above with detailed reference to the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the details of such embodiment but is capable of numerous modifications, by one of ordinary skill in the art, within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

I claim:
1. A camera support means for holding a camera in front of a user comprising:
a first U-shaped section having a first end and a second end and formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion, said first U-shaped section being adapted to fit around said user's neck so that the legs rest on said user's chest;
a second U-shaped section having a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section;
an arm section having a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of said second U-shaped section by a first pivot means,
a camera mounting means pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot means;
said first pivot means including a locking means for locking the arm section in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section; and
said second pivot means including a locking means for locking the camera mounting means in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section.
2. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein said arm section comprises a first tube extending from the first end and a second tube extending from the second end, wherein one of said tubes is slidably and telescopically received by the other tube so that the arm section is of adjustable length.
3. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein the second end of the first U-shaped section has a longitudinal axis, and said second U-shaped section rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the second end of said first U-shaped section.
4. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein said second end of said second U-shaped section has a longitudinal axis, and said arm section rotates in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second end of the second U-shaped section.
5. A camera support means as in claim 2, wherein said arm section has a longitudinal axis and said camera support means rotates in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis of the arm section.
6. A camera support means as in claim 2, wherein the first end of the first U-shaped section has a eyelet means connected thereto.
7. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein the second U-shaped section is rotatable to a first position wherein the arm section, the camera support means, and the second U-shaped section are positionable in between the first end and the second end of the first U-shaped section and in generally the same plane as the first U-shaped section.
8. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein the second U-shaped section is rotatable to a second position wherein the arm section, the camera support means and the second U-shaped section are positionable generally in a plane normal to the first U-shaped section.
9. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein the first U-shaped section, the second U-shaped section and the arm section are made of a tubular material selected from the group consisting of: stainless steel, plastic, and metal composite material.
10. A camera support means as in claim 1, wherein each of the pair of generally straight legs are from between about 8 and about 12 inches in length, the generally arcuate connecting portion is from between about 10 and about 16 inches in length, and the second U-shaped section is between about 3 and about 5 inches in length.
11. A camera support means as in claim 2, wherein the first tube of the arm section is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length and the second tube is between about 4 and about 8 inches in length.
12. A camera support means as in claim 2, wherein each of the pair of generally straight legs is about 10 inches in length, the arcuate connecting portion is about 13 inches in length, and the second U-shaped section is about 4 inches in length.
13. A camera support means as in claim 2, wherein the first tube of the arm section is about 6 inches in length and the second tube is about 51/2 inches in length.
14. A camera support means for holding a camera in front of a user comprising:
a first U-shaped section having a first end and a second end and formed from a pair of generally straight leg portions and a generally arcuate connecting portion, said first U-shaped section being shaped to fit around said user's neck so that the legs rest on said user's chest;
a second U-shaped section having a first end and a second end with the first end being rotatably connected to the second end of the first U-shaped section;
an arm section having a first end and a second end, where the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of said second U-shaped section by a first pivot means and said pivot means is removably connected to said second end of said second U-shaped section,
a camera mounting means pivotally connected to the second end of the arm section by a second pivot means;
said first pivot means including a locking means for locking the arm section in a pre-determined relationship with the second U-shaped section; and
said second pivot means including a locking means for locking the camera mounting means in a pre-determined relationship with the arm section.
15. A camera support means as in claim 14, wherein said first pivot means has a first end and a second end, said second end of said second U-shaped section forms a hole sized to receive said first end of said first pivot means, and said second end of said first pivot means is pivotally attached to said arm portion.
US08/837,502 1997-04-18 1997-04-18 Camera support Expired - Fee Related US5749010A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/837,502 US5749010A (en) 1997-04-18 1997-04-18 Camera support

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/837,502 US5749010A (en) 1997-04-18 1997-04-18 Camera support

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5749010A true US5749010A (en) 1998-05-05

Family

ID=25274637

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/837,502 Expired - Fee Related US5749010A (en) 1997-04-18 1997-04-18 Camera support

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US5749010A (en)

Cited By (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6563532B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2003-05-13 Internal Research Corporation Low attention recording unit for use by vigorously active recorder
US6601999B1 (en) 2002-04-11 2003-08-05 Thomas S. McTeer Video camera bracket
US6705578B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2004-03-16 Extremeshot, Inc. Apparatus for mounting visual recording devices to hunting structures and method for mounting visual recording devices to hunting structures
US6764231B1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2004-07-20 Cory Shubert Body mounted camera support
US20040156616A1 (en) * 1999-01-05 2004-08-12 Strub Henry B. Low attention recording with particular application to social recording
US6796468B1 (en) * 2000-02-23 2004-09-28 Sacci Ryggöäckar AB Carrying holder
US20040262343A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-12-30 Pratt Michael James Load bearing shoulder frame assembly
US20050041108A1 (en) * 2001-09-13 2005-02-24 Schaller Curt O. Camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components
US20050109805A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2005-05-26 Pratt Michael J. Carrying device for a cartable item providing single to dual-shoulder support transitioning
US20060031885A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2006-02-09 Vulcan Inc. Management and non-linear presentation of music-related broadcasted or streamed multimedia content
US20060031916A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2006-02-09 Vulcan Inc. Management and non-linear presentation of broadcasted or streamed multimedia content
US20060108485A1 (en) * 2004-11-21 2006-05-25 Joshua Enderle Flexible, self-supporting camera mount
US20070031143A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-08 Gregory Riccardi Overhead camera support apparatus
US20070164987A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Christopher Graham Apparatus for hands-free support of a device in front of a user's body
US20080047991A1 (en) * 2006-07-28 2008-02-28 David Everett Portable display
US20080127240A1 (en) * 1995-03-07 2008-05-29 Michele Mae Covell System and method for selective recording of information
US20080158411A1 (en) * 2007-01-03 2008-07-03 Jamey Firnberg Gooseneck video device holder
US20080258019A1 (en) * 2007-04-17 2008-10-23 Avermedia Technologies, Inc. Document Camera Device
ITVV20090003A1 (en) * 2009-03-23 2010-09-24 Giancarlo Acquaro SUPPORT FOR MULTIMEDIA READERS (EX. MP3, MP4, PALMARI, GPS ETC) READERS, EQUIPPED WITH EXTENDABLE AND FLEXIBLE ARM CONNECTED TO A RIGID COLLAR AS A BEARING STRUCTURE
US8046818B2 (en) 1999-10-08 2011-10-25 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
US20120068044A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-22 Louis Angel Rivera Hands free media platform
US8176515B2 (en) 1996-12-05 2012-05-08 Interval Licensing Llc Browser for use in navigating a body of information, with particular application to browsing information represented by audiovisual data
US8238722B2 (en) 1996-12-05 2012-08-07 Interval Licensing Llc Variable rate video playback with synchronized audio
US8429244B2 (en) 2000-01-28 2013-04-23 Interval Licensing Llc Alerting users to items of current interest
US20160252800A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Mypove Inc. Bracket for terminal with camera module
US20180116383A1 (en) * 2016-11-01 2018-05-03 Howard McGahey Phone holder systems
US10095092B2 (en) 2015-09-14 2018-10-09 Gerald F Buttimer Articulated stabilizer frame for monopod
US11003057B2 (en) 2015-09-14 2021-05-11 Gerald F Buttimer Articulated stabilizer frame with magnetic attachment for monopod

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3882524A (en) * 1972-10-03 1975-05-06 Rauscher Ingeborg Apparatus for holding a camera ready for use
US4526308A (en) * 1984-01-09 1985-07-02 Dovey Dennis J Camera support

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3882524A (en) * 1972-10-03 1975-05-06 Rauscher Ingeborg Apparatus for holding a camera ready for use
US4526308A (en) * 1984-01-09 1985-07-02 Dovey Dennis J Camera support

Cited By (41)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080127240A1 (en) * 1995-03-07 2008-05-29 Michele Mae Covell System and method for selective recording of information
US8584158B2 (en) 1995-03-07 2013-11-12 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for selective recording of information
US7849475B2 (en) 1995-03-07 2010-12-07 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for selective recording of information
US8238722B2 (en) 1996-12-05 2012-08-07 Interval Licensing Llc Variable rate video playback with synchronized audio
US8176515B2 (en) 1996-12-05 2012-05-08 Interval Licensing Llc Browser for use in navigating a body of information, with particular application to browsing information represented by audiovisual data
US7519271B2 (en) 1999-01-05 2009-04-14 Vulcan Patents Llc Low attention recording with particular application to social recording
US20040156616A1 (en) * 1999-01-05 2004-08-12 Strub Henry B. Low attention recording with particular application to social recording
US6825875B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2004-11-30 Interval Research Corporation Hybrid recording unit including portable video recorder and auxillary device
US6563532B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2003-05-13 Internal Research Corporation Low attention recording unit for use by vigorously active recorder
US6934461B1 (en) 1999-01-05 2005-08-23 Interval Research Corporation Low attention recording, with particular application to social recording
US8046818B2 (en) 1999-10-08 2011-10-25 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
US8341688B2 (en) 1999-10-08 2012-12-25 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
US8726331B2 (en) 1999-10-08 2014-05-13 Interval Licensing Llc System and method for the broadcast dissemination of time-ordered data
US8429244B2 (en) 2000-01-28 2013-04-23 Interval Licensing Llc Alerting users to items of current interest
US9317560B2 (en) 2000-01-28 2016-04-19 Interval Licensing Llc Alerting users to items of current interest
US6796468B1 (en) * 2000-02-23 2004-09-28 Sacci Ryggöäckar AB Carrying holder
US20050041108A1 (en) * 2001-09-13 2005-02-24 Schaller Curt O. Camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components
US7646424B2 (en) * 2001-09-13 2010-01-12 Camera Dynamics Gmbh Camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components
US6705578B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2004-03-16 Extremeshot, Inc. Apparatus for mounting visual recording devices to hunting structures and method for mounting visual recording devices to hunting structures
US6601999B1 (en) 2002-04-11 2003-08-05 Thomas S. McTeer Video camera bracket
US20050109805A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2005-05-26 Pratt Michael J. Carrying device for a cartable item providing single to dual-shoulder support transitioning
US7559443B2 (en) 2002-11-07 2009-07-14 Ogio International, Inc. Carrying device for a cartable item providing single to dual-shoulder support transitioning
US20040262343A1 (en) * 2002-11-07 2004-12-30 Pratt Michael James Load bearing shoulder frame assembly
US6764231B1 (en) * 2003-01-28 2004-07-20 Cory Shubert Body mounted camera support
US20090276817A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2009-11-05 Vulcan Inc. Management and non-linear presentation of music-related broadcasted or streamed multimedia content
US20060031885A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2006-02-09 Vulcan Inc. Management and non-linear presentation of music-related broadcasted or streamed multimedia content
US20060031916A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2006-02-09 Vulcan Inc. Management and non-linear presentation of broadcasted or streamed multimedia content
US20060108485A1 (en) * 2004-11-21 2006-05-25 Joshua Enderle Flexible, self-supporting camera mount
US20070031143A1 (en) * 2005-08-05 2007-02-08 Gregory Riccardi Overhead camera support apparatus
US20070164987A1 (en) * 2006-01-17 2007-07-19 Christopher Graham Apparatus for hands-free support of a device in front of a user's body
US20080047991A1 (en) * 2006-07-28 2008-02-28 David Everett Portable display
US20080158411A1 (en) * 2007-01-03 2008-07-03 Jamey Firnberg Gooseneck video device holder
US20080258019A1 (en) * 2007-04-17 2008-10-23 Avermedia Technologies, Inc. Document Camera Device
ITVV20090003A1 (en) * 2009-03-23 2010-09-24 Giancarlo Acquaro SUPPORT FOR MULTIMEDIA READERS (EX. MP3, MP4, PALMARI, GPS ETC) READERS, EQUIPPED WITH EXTENDABLE AND FLEXIBLE ARM CONNECTED TO A RIGID COLLAR AS A BEARING STRUCTURE
US20120068044A1 (en) * 2010-09-20 2012-03-22 Louis Angel Rivera Hands free media platform
US20160252800A1 (en) * 2015-02-27 2016-09-01 Mypove Inc. Bracket for terminal with camera module
US9971232B2 (en) * 2015-02-27 2018-05-15 Mypove Inc. Bracket for terminal with camera module
US10488740B2 (en) 2015-02-27 2019-11-26 Mypove Inc. Bracket for terminal with camera module
US10095092B2 (en) 2015-09-14 2018-10-09 Gerald F Buttimer Articulated stabilizer frame for monopod
US11003057B2 (en) 2015-09-14 2021-05-11 Gerald F Buttimer Articulated stabilizer frame with magnetic attachment for monopod
US20180116383A1 (en) * 2016-11-01 2018-05-03 Howard McGahey Phone holder systems

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5749010A (en) Camera support
US4943820A (en) Portable camera support
US5332136A (en) Support apparatus for an optical instrument
US4727390A (en) Camera mounting bracket
US5775654A (en) Telescoping cup holding system
US4244500A (en) Viewing support
US3966101A (en) Camera support
US4545660A (en) Camera handle with retractable bipod support
US6123306A (en) Wheelchair camera stand
US4248256A (en) Platform crutch attachment for an invalid walker
US4566732A (en) Adjustable wheelchair table
US6003746A (en) Fishing rod holder
US6439515B1 (en) Video camera support device
US2806416A (en) Gun stock camera support
US5839704A (en) Camera support device
US4327986A (en) Mobile camera support
US6158636A (en) Weed trimmer shoulder strap assembly
US5073788A (en) Camera support
US2711122A (en) Camera stand harness
US4687309A (en) Video camera stabilizer
US7372502B2 (en) Camera stabilizer
WO1980000620A1 (en) Holdsteady strap
US6109685A (en) Lounge chair
US20170020313A1 (en) Hands-free holder for electronic devices
WO2017019124A1 (en) Quick-reposition camera support

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MCCUMBER ENTERPRISES, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MCCUMBER, MICHAEL T.;REEL/FRAME:008531/0073

Effective date: 19970411

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20060505